Culture and Geography

Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon Bolivar, gained its independence from Spanish rule in 1825; since, its history has been marked with political instability and coups. Democratic civilian rule was established in 1982, but leaders have faced difficult problems of extreme poverty, social unrest and illegal drug production.

Bolivia is a land of celebrations. In Bolivia, music is still played with reed flutes and llama skin drums accompanying the dancing and the processions. The music is strongly influenced by the Incas and plays and important role in Bolivian festivities.

Bolivia is a land-locked nation, located in the west-central part of South America. It is bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru. The Andes define the country’s geographic zones: the mountains and Altiplano in the west, the subtropical Yungas and temperate valleys of the eastern mountain slopes and the tropical lowlands of the eastern lowlands. The highest peak is Nevado Sajama in Oruro. Lake Titicaca is located on the border between Bolivia and Peru. The Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, lies in Potosi.